This Retro Kitchen Trend Is Making A Comeback For An Elevated Look

Vintage kitchen trends coming back in 2025 include a revival of the mid-century modern aesthetic pioneered by architects and interior designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Florence Knoll. This was the era of vinyl, chrome, and lots of polished wood — anything you'd see in the backdrops of "Mad Men." Wood never seems to go out of style, and it's possible to incorporate this material into your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Veneers were a large part of 1960s interiors, especially in the kitchen and office spaces. The word "veneer" comes from the German word "Furnier," meaning to layer and bond one material over another, usually in reference to wood. Today, this term is often used in dentistry to describe a type of protective shell that covers or reshapes damaged teeth. In interior design, veneers are protective and stylish covers that conceal less stylish materials underneath.

Veneers in your kitchen could look like paneling around the island or refrigerator to achieve the "invisible kitchen" illusion. Rather than paying an uncomfortable amount of money to replace some eyesore cabinets with a more expensive walnut wood option, you could install beautiful walnut veneers over the old wood instead (provided it isn't rotten or fractured).

Purchasing wooden veneers is often more cost-effective than buying quality solid wooden furniture, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when determining whether they're the right fit for your space. These thin panels won't be as durable as solid wood and may be susceptible to damage or warping without proper care. Proper installation is crucial to veneer longevity, so you'll need to do some research before doing it yourself or hiring a woodworking expert (which is definitely recommended for this type of project). Veneers can also lack the exact texture and grain of solid wood, so they may appear more artificial or "cheap," depending on their quality.

When veneers are done with care, they add a sophisticated touch to a space, which is why they're an old-school trend on the comeback. While veneers are famous for their mid-century modern style, they can fit into any aesthetic, depending on the colors and accents. They are an excellent choice for rustic and boho kitchen concepts that use a lot of wooden elements to shine. This design principle is as simple as covering up whatever doesn't fit, and it consumes fewer trees than solid wood pieces. If you're looking for a way to add subtle warmth to the kitchen, some classy wooden veneers can do the trick.